PurposeThe mission of the CASA volunteer is to monitor and follow a child’s case through the juvenile court system; to provide an independent voice from the community who speaks up for the best interests of their assigned child; to help ensure that the child is in a secure, secure, supportive, permanent home.
Requirements- Be at least 21 years of age.
- Have a high school diploma or GED equivalency.
- Have a current Kansas driver’s license and be properly insured.
- Complete a written application, sign consents for a KBI security clearance and a DCF Central Registry clearance. Provide three references other than relatives.
- Pass screening eligibility according to Supreme Court Rule #110:
- reference check
- national security clearance, including fingerprinting
- DCF Central Child Abuse Registry clearance
- screening interview
- Participate in at least 30 hours of a 35-hour training. Must review information from missed training sessions with trainer prior to case assignment.
- Observe court sessions for a minimum of 2 hours.
- Indicate ability to be objective, to function professionally, and to act out of concern for the welfare of the child as the primary motivation.
- Will not discriminate or display attitudes of a discriminatory nature.
- Respect the right to privacy by keeping confidential any information that would identify parties involved in CASA cases. Must abide by the program’s policy of confidentiality.
- Must be a citizen of the United States.
- Will be able to commit to serving as a CASA volunteer for at least 1 year.
- Agree to follow the policies and procedures of CASA of Cowley County relating to volunteers.
Duties- Advocate at all times for the best interests of the child.
- Take Oath of Confidentiality.
- Sign Statement of Commitment and take Oath of Appointment as soon as possible after accepting a case.
- Read court social and legal files pertaining to case. Read other available records and files pertaining to case.
- Interview DCF and/or their contracting foster care agency workers, parents, foster parents, court services officer, child, and other interested parties.
- Explain the CASA role to all parties unfamiliar with the CASA program.
- Maintain regular contact with the child a minimum of 2 times per month.
- When appropriate, encourage family to work toward the goals of the Case Plan, and/or orders set forth by the court.
- Contact the DCF social worker and/or social workers of contracting agencies and the court services officer, if applicable, at least once a month.
- Attend all court hearings and scheduled case planning conferences pertaining to the child.
- Encourage permanency planning.
- Monitor whether court’s orders are being followed.
- Keep accurate and complete documentation of all contacts and interviews.
- Consult with the CASA Director at least once per month; submit monthly Volunteer Activities Form to CASA office by the 10th day of the following month.
- Attend a minimum of 12 hours of continuing education in-service per year.
- After consulting with the CASA Director, write a Report to the Court at least 5 days in advance of the hearing. The CASA Director will submit the report to the court and the other interested parties.
- Consult with the CASA Director regarding problems, concerns, or questions that arise during the case.
- Immediately report to DCF and the CASA Director any suspected child abuse or neglect.
- Remain actively involved in the case until a permanent solution has been reached or the court dismisses the case.
Apply to be a Volunteer:https://forms.gle/sHYxcS3tgz2p7Z3j8